By: Shera Fanesha

For the fourth time, BCA is supporting WWF-Indonesia's conservation efforts through the NEWTrees program. This time, BCA will reforest the Pangumbahan Turtle Conservation Area, Ujung Genteng, South Sukabumi. The commitment was marked by the signing of a memorandum of agreement on Tuesday (30/9) at BCA Head Office, Jakarta.

BCA's cooperation with WWF-Indonesia has been established since 2010. BCA has reforested critical land in Rinjani, Ujung Kulon, and the Ciliwung watershed. In the Pangumbahan coastal buffer forest reforestation effort, BCA's donation to WWF-Indonesia will be used to plant an area of 5 hectares. Each hectare will be planted with approximately 400 native vegetation for a total of 2,000 suitable vegetation.

BCA President Director, Jahja Setiatmaja, hopes that this program can indirectly help sea turtle conservation at the Pangumbahan Turtle Conservation Center. "I invite all stakeholders and all elements of the Indonesian nation to support environmental conservation efforts so that our children and grandchildren can continue to see the beautiful Indonesia that we love."

In his speech, WWF-Indonesia's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Efransjah, stated that the tree planting that will be carried out is very influential for the condition of sea turtle habitat on the coast of Pangumbahan. "Sea turtles need an ideal nesting ground. With the ability to live up to hundreds of years, turtles will return to the place where they hatched to lay their eggs. Therefore, it is very important to maintain their habitat so that they can lay eggs comfortably for their survival." Efransjah hopes that the NEWTrees program can have a positive impact on the conservation of these umbrella animals, in addition to bringing economic benefits to the surrounding communities.